Replace Characters...

lgardner17325 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

In a file, How do I replace a set number of characters in each line?

For example.... substitute the first 54 characters of each line with mv?

Thanks!
Lisa

vgersh99 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

'sed' is your friend - sed1liners

Code:

sed 's/^.\{54\}/mv/' myFile.txt

lgardner17325 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

Thank you so much.... it was exactly what I needed!!

Can I just ask.... is the "." considered a wildcard in this code?

anbu23 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

Yes "." matches any character

venu_nbk · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by vgersh99

'sed' is your friend - sed1liners

Code:

sed 's/^.\{54\}/mv/' myFile.txt

vgersh99

I have a doubt in this. If i am inside the file that is
vi myFile.txt.
Then how can I use the command, should I use the sed word?

vgersh99 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

no, but use the same 'substitute' expression in the vi 'command' mode.

venu_nbk · #7 (**permalink**) 10-26-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by vgersh99

no, but use the same 'substitute' expression in the vi 'command' mode.

Thanks,

could you please explain me what does this command mean?

:%s/crmrl01/crmpl01/g

More UNIX and Linux Forum Topics You Might Find Helpful
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Want to replace characters	arndorff	Shell Programming and Scripting	5	01-29-2008 04:05 PM
How to replace characters 7 through 14 of every line in a file	jakSun8	Shell Programming and Scripting	9	12-13-2007 02:13 AM
Replace Special characters in a file	solai	UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers	1	07-13-2006 11:36 AM
Replace characters in a string using their ascii value	roops	Shell Programming and Scripting	2	03-04-2005 01:51 AM
how to replace control characters using sed?	hillxy	Shell Programming and Scripting	5	10-16-2003 11:12 AM

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: